romania Archives | Trip Experiences

Peles Castle, Romania: A must-visit attraction

Peles Castle is been considered one of the most stunning and most impressive castles in Romania, especially in winter. I had no idea about this Castle before I planned my visit to Bucharest. When I was planning my excursions, my main one was to visit the famous Bran Castle (mostly known as Dracula's Castle) between Transylvania and Wallachia. After visiting both castles, Peles Castle is the most stunning one between the two. I visited the Castle on a snowy day. I always prefer to take private tours to save time and reach the places I visit early in order to avoid the crowds. I usually book via Viator (that's my own personal space for booking tickets via Viator). The Castle is located in Sinaia area, located only about 75 miles north of Bucharest, Romania’s capital, or one hour and a half by train. So if you don't wish to go on a private tour, you can easily get to Sinaia either by car (on the E60 or DN1 road) or by train. For this specific tour, you may find a variety of options by searching for Peles Castle. Reasons to visit Peles Castle 1. Rich History The grand castle was built at the wish of King Carol I (1839–1914), the first Romanian King, as a summer retreat. It was one of the most modern European constructions during that period since it had central heating and electricity. Since then, it has accommodated various historical figures and later on it was used as a private haven for communist leaders and senior officials from around the globe. 2.Architecture and Design In order to enter the Castle, you need to cover your shoes with plastic covers in order to keep the place clean and respect the place. As we went through the Castle, our guide explained a lot of things about the architecture, the design and the purpose of each room. Its 160 sumptuous rooms are embellished with the finest examples of European art, including Murano chandeliers, German stained-glass windows, Handmade silk embroideries, Cordoba leather-covered walls. Some of the rooms [...]

Things To Do in Bucharest: For First Time Visitors

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is an attractive city for visitors looking to experience something different and authentic. In case you’re planning to visit Bucharest for the first time, here are my Things To Do in Bucharest based on my latest trip there. Bucharest weather, during my visit, was cold since I visited in February so you'll notice that my photos are not so bright and colorful. Explore the Old Town Bucharest Old Town should be the first part of your Bucharest trip. It's advised to have a walk around during the afternoon until night. It's both amazing during daylight and nighttime. The capital preserves some of the oldest monuments whilst the lively streets are packed with many restaurants and bar. Some of the major attractions include the 19th-century Manuc Inn, the oldest church in the city and the oldest residence of medieval princes, the 18th-century Stavropoleos Monastery and old merchant streets. Visit the City’s Historic Churches Romania is Eastern Orthodox, but the real beauty of Bucharest's architecture is not found in the big cathedrals you'll see around. Many date from the 17th and 18th centuries and fuse elements of Byzantine, Greek, Ottoman, and Renaissance styles. The churches share common elements that include impossibly high steeples built over tiny floor plans, elaborate frescoes, and signature details such as raised pillars and stone balustrades. The Stavropoleos Church in the Old City is an excellent example, with its rich wall paintings and finely carved doors. Other churches to look for include St. Apostles’ Church, Antim Church, and the hard-to-find-but-worth-the-effort Doamnei Church. Take a photo at the Colourful Umbrella Street Another colorful side street, which I've found on Instagram, is Parasolowe Knajpy, where Pizza Colosseum is located. It’s hidden in a passageway just off one of the main roads of Bucharest and attracts loads of people on a daily basis who seek to photography the colorful umbrella rooftop. Palace of the Parliament The Palace of the Parliament is one of the main tourist attractions in Bucharest. It is the world's 2nd largest administrative building (after the Pentagon), an architectural colossus that also claims the title of the heaviest building in the world. With more [...]